Freedom of the press and freedom of expression are facing serious threats in Iraq, according to a new report of the Iraqi Women Journalists’ Forum (IWJF). The Forum has recorded more than 100 instances of killings and serious threats against journalists; in addition, 32 media outlets have been subjected to blackmail and defamation. All of this poses a great risk to the future of civil society and democracy in Iraq. The IWJF identifies three major areas of concern:
• Failure to guarantee the safety of media workers;
• Government intrusion into media organizations that has seriously undermined independent media and a free press;
• High levels of discrimination against and harassment of female media workers.

Read more:https://www.iraqicivilsociety.org/archives/11662